Summary
- Madden NFL 24 brings improved graphics, including more realistic player models and updated visuals, offering a small step up from Madden NFL 23.
- The game introduces new mechanics and animations, such as diverse tackle types and a momentum system, making movements feel weighted and realistic.
- Superstar mode is back with new progression mechanics and player customization, allowing people to live out their dreams of becoming an NFL star.
Madden NFL 24 is finally here, and with it has come a host of new improvements and enhancements to the franchise. While it's still up in the air whether this iteration of the game will ultimately be received as one of the better Madden games, the developers, Electronic Arts, have taken a lot of effort in the build-up to the launch to explain everything that's being introduced. In an attempt to better satisfy the Madden community, they've re-introduced popular features from previous entries while also updating and enhancing what Madden NFL 2023 had to offer.
Though those familiar with the franchise have probably become accustomed to updated rosters and better graphics, there are actually a lot of differences between this year's entry and Madden NFL 23. In addition to a boost in the visuals, there are new game modes, mechanics, and a completely overhauled engine in the new game. Some of the changes will likely entirely change the online meta and how proficient players will dominate the leaderboards.
10 Improved Graphics
The most obvious thing that Madden NFL 24 has over Madden NFL 23 is the improvement in graphics. Those familiar with the franchise are probably accustomed to each new entry slightly improving the graphics, and this year is no different. With updated shaders, more realistic and detailed faces, and better, more fluid movement, it's a small step up in the graphical fidelity. In addition, there's been a noticeable change in player shoulder pads, which will make character models look more realistic. While it's not a quantum leap from Madden 23, it is better overall.
9 More Realistic And Fluid Animations
The title's upgraded FieldSENSE and the new Hit Everything 2.0 system introduces new tackle types, including scoop tackles and low-wrap tackles, adding diversity to how players interact with each other on the field. An improved volume and momentum system has also been tweaked for the game, making movements look and feel weighted and more realistic. Many of these new mechanics will impact how the game will actually play, as heavier and faster players will hit harder.
8 Reviving Superstar Mode
Back by popular demand, Superstar mode, the career mode outside of Franchise Mode, is back with new progression mechanics, skill trees, and more. Those looking to live out their dreams of being an NFL star can do so; with character customization and a host of different stats and skills that can level up over time. The amount of detail gets pretty intense here, and it may feel like an RPG over a football game at times with the different paths the character can take.
7 Better Celebrations
While not excessive enough to get fined for it, better, more real-to-life celebrations and interactions have been added to Madden 24, based on actual NFL stars. This will make the overall game feel more immersive, as characters in the game will act like they do in actual football games. In addition to celebrations, there are additional reactions between teams and with teammates. Gloating after an amazing play has never felt better.
6 Player Customization
Along with the new Superstar mode will come a new player customization mode with new unlockable cosmetics and equipment. New pieces of gear can be unlocked as the campaign progresses and can be mixed and matched in different combinations for maximum attire customization. This is great for those who want to live through the life of becoming a prospect and working their way up into the NFL. Though known mostly for its multiplayer play, this is a great addition for those who prefer to play Madden solo.
5 Madden 24 Finally Introduces Cross-Platform Play
For those who live to play online, one huge drawback of Madden 23 was that it lacked crossplay and cross-platform play functionality, meaning that people with PlayStation or Xbox were stuck playing with other people on the same console. Luckily, the developers decided to change that by introducing full crossplay functionality between PC, Xbox X/S, and PlayStation 5.
4 Enhanced Run Blocking Mechanics
One of the biggest mechanic enhancements in Madden 24 is run blocking. A huge improvement over the previous year, the team implemented new behavior that made the defensive line feel more realistic. In addition to having more realistic double-team tackles, chip-blocking, and more realistic pushing, AI has been improved to help fill the gaps better than in previous entries.
The enhanced run-blocking mechanics will likely be one of the bigger changes in the game, as better and more realistic blocking can open up more opportunities for running plays and will make Madden more realistic overall. It'll also make defensive rushes more comprehensive, opening up additional opportunities for sacks.
3 Franchise Mode Improvements
Those missing the nostalgia of Franchise Mode from past Madden games will finally get their wishes fulfilled as Madden 24 boasts a much-improved mode over last year's iteration. With the re-introduction of mini-games in training camp, enhancing team stats and practicing in the off-season will now be much more fun. There are a ton of different mini-games for all positions on the field, including kicking, receiving, blocking, and more.
There will also be more customization options for the team, including the ability to relocate cities, increase trade slots to 6, and settings for the league to make it easier to modify play to preferences. Even more updates are included in the new franchise mode, and it is important to note that Fantasy Draft in Madden NFL 24 will be easier to use in Franchise mode.
2 Expanded Playbooks
For those who thrive on diverse and unique strategies, Madden 24 will have an expanded playbook with more plays than in previous versions of the game. Adding a ton of new formations, plays, and diversity to different teams' playbooks better reflects team compositions and makes strategic options feel more realistic than they did in Madden 23. While online metas that exploit the game's mechanics will likely still appear in online play, there's a chance that creative thinking during clutch moments in the game might come down to play selection. Madden 24 will introduce 500 new plays, with 70 new offensive formations.
1 Changes To Mobile Quarterbacks
The Escape Artist perk was a major issue in Madden NFL 2022. With highly mobile QBs that were essentially untouchable in certain scenarios, it destroyed the online meta and made mobile QBs overpowered. In response to this, Madden all but destroyed the option in Madden 23, and while the option was still there, most avoided it entirely. Madden 2024 is reintroducing a more balanced version, so quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen can be used to their full potential without hurting the online meta of the game.
